10 Principles and Values of the Scottish Rite

by Dan Jones, 33º Grand Cross, Secretary of the Valley of Nashville

During my time as a Scottish Rite Mason, I’ve had the privilege of immersing myself deeply in the rich traditions and values of the Nashville Scottish Rite. These principles not only guide our interactions within the organization – they also shape how we engage with the world and our community at large. 

1. Treat Everyone Like Family

The Nashville Scottish Rite is a family of brothers. And we need to treat everyone like family. And that’s what makes the Nashville Scottish Rite great. Our strength lies in our unity and sense of brotherhood. By treating each other like family, we build a supportive and welcoming environment where everyone feels valued and respected.

2. Keep Your Handshake Agreements

Trust is a real value. A contract is something that a sharp lawyer can break, but a handshake is your bond. In the Nashville Scottish Rite, trust is paramount. A handshake agreement symbolizes our commitment and integrity, reminding us that our word is our bond.

3. Get to Know Your Brothers

Get to know your brother, it doesn’t matter where they’re from, what color skin they have, what their religion is, what their political beliefs are. Get to know them, call them by name, know something about their family. We celebrate diversity and encourage deep, meaningful connections among our members. Understanding and appreciating each other’s backgrounds fosters a strong sense of community.

4. Respect All Committees and Crews

When we have a Nashville Scottish Rite reunion, it takes approximately 400 people to put that reunion on. Stage crews, kitchen crews, various committees, they all have jobs to do, and they can’t do it if someone is interfering with them doing their job. Respecting the roles and responsibilities of all members ensures smooth operations and successful events. Every contribution is valuable and deserves recognition.

5. Say Hello to Strangers

Everyone should feel welcome here because we want to take them into our family when they come into the Scottish Rite. A simple greeting can make a significant difference. We strive to create an inclusive atmosphere where newcomers feel at home from the moment they arrive.

6. Be Generous

Be generous. Give time, work, and donations. We teach frugality, mercy, and humility here. From frugality, we derive charity. From mercy, we derive courage, and from humility, we derive leadership. Generosity is a cornerstone of our philosophy. Whether through time, effort, or financial support, we believe in giving back to our community and supporting one another.

7. Stereotypes Do Not Apply

We all have unexpected stories. And we cannot dissociate with someone just because they have done something that we don’t necessarily agree with ourselves. Treat them as the brothers they are. We look beyond stereotypes and preconceived notions, recognizing the unique stories and experiences that each member brings to our brotherhood.

8. Honor Your Brothers’ Traditions

We have that common creed or good that we need to develop, recognizing that everyone on this planet is brother or sister to everyone else. By respecting and honoring each other’s traditions, we foster mutual understanding and strengthen our bonds.

9. Welcome Newcomers

When a person comes into the Nashville Scottish Rite, they really don’t know what to expect. We teach them, we delve deeply into the philosophy of the degrees. We want to welcome them and set that little spark off that gets them excited and wanting to continue their study and knowledge. Welcoming newcomers with open arms and guiding them through their journey ensures the continued growth and vitality of our organization.

10. Always Be Kind

It’s the Masonic way. Being kind not only is a Masonic way, but we should be kind to everyone regardless of Masonic affiliation. Kindness is at the heart of our values. We believe in treating everyone with respect and compassion, extending our Masonic principles to all our interactions.

These principles are not just guidelines for our conduct within the Scottish Rite; they are values that we carry into our daily lives. By practicing these principles, we strive to be better versions of ourselves and positively impact the world around us. As Masons, we lead by example, demonstrating our commitment to these values through our actions.

One other thing I could say is based on a famous statement from a Catholic Saint – but my version says,” Tell everybody you’re a Nashville Scottish Rite Mason, not with your words but with your actions.”

For quick reference, the 10 Nashville Scottish Rite Rules are summarized below:

1. TREAT EVERYONE LIKE FAMILY
   We won’t be a great organization until we do.
2. KEEP YOUR HANDSHAKE AGREEMENTS
   Trust is valued here,
3. GET TO KNOW YOUR BROTHERS
   Regardless of where they’re from.
4. RESPECT ALL COMMITTEES AND CREWS
   They all have a job to do.
5. SAY HELLO TO STRANGERS
   Everyone should feel at home here.
6. BE GENEROUS
   Give time work, and donations.
7. STEREOTYPES DO NOT APPLY
   Everyone has an unexpected story.
8. HONOR YOUR BROTHERS’ TRADITIONS
   So they can honor yours.
9. WELCOME NEWCOMERS
   We’ve all had our first day in the Scottish Rite.
10. ALWAYS BE KIND
    It’s the masonic way.

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